Our Inspirations

PATTI STILES is our Spiritual Godmother. She comes to watch our show, critique it, work with us and even play with us. She is light and love and sees things with such clarity we swear she has magical powers. Patti trained at the Loose Moose Theatre in Calgary, with the man himself – Keith Johnstone (another inspiration of ours). She was a founding member of Die Nasty, An Improvised Soap Opera (see below), has taught and performed all over the world and if there was a kind of global improvisers’ league table she would be at the very top of it.

DIE NASTY is the original improvised soap opera that intrigued us and got us started. They began in Edmonton, Canada back in 1991 and are still going strong. In 2006 they received the Canadian Comedy Award for Best Improv Troupe and in 2007 they received special recognition from the Governor of Alberta for getting to their 500th episode. Just in case you were wondering how they could be going for so long and yet we claim to have the longest improvised narrative in the world – unlike us, each of their seasons is set in a different place, with different characters.

SOAPS. We would not have a show and a shared language without EastEnders, Coronation Street, Home and Away and the rest. Also, all the fantastic TV series you get these days; Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones etc, for their stake-raising and sharp editing.

THE SHOWSTOPPERS. They have put in the hours and richly deserve their Olivier Award. Their commitment and support on stage is a joy to watch and they keep on challenging themselves and showing the world that improvisation can create the best theatre experience of all.

WATCH US

Every other Monday: 8:00PM–9:00PM

WHERE

The Wardrobe Theatre
The Old Market Assembly
25 West Street
Old Market
Bristol
BS2 0DF

OPPORTUNTIES

JOINING THE CAST

We run a soap fortnightly every two weeks, so we are always interested in fresh blood! If you have acting and improvising experience and a certain something, please apply – BAME applicants are specifically welcome. Please contact john@closereachday.co.uk if you are interested in auditioning for us.

LEARN WITH US

We invite outside teachers and experts in various fields who are beneficial for our show and growth as a company. During the year there will be an opportunity to join us in a workshop with one of these teachers, we can learn and play together! Please keep an eye out for announcements.

FIND US

CLOSER FOR HIRE

IMPRO SHOW FOR HIRE

Would you like to supply guaranteed good times entertainment for your birthday party, your office party, your Christmas party or your anniversary bash? Would you like games and scenes that remind you of Whose Line Is It Anyway? Or a one-off soap style comedy that uses your party or any genre of drama you like for its inspiration?

Alternatively, for those familiar with our regular soap, we offer spin-off shows involving a couple of the Newtown characters in a completely different location, with the rest of the cast playing different characters. To discuss these or any other ideas, do not hesitate to get in touch: lindsey@closereachday.co.uk

FESTIVALS

Do you run a festival somewhere in the world? Need a show and a workshop? We can do both! We have worked on some unique techniques that we could share with your attendees. Please contact: info@closereachday.co.uk